Carrying the flags of Israel, Canada and the LGBTQ community, George Saltzberg was one of the record-breaking 60,000 people who participated in this year’s Walk With Israel in Toronto.

“What brought me out here is my strong connection to Israel,” said Saltzberg. “We all come from different backgrounds and belief systems. Normally, a lot of us don’t agree, but on this one thing, we stand together.”

The event, which was organized by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, set a goal to raise $780,000 — in honour of the 78 years since Israel was founded. Funds are directed to supporting Israelis, including mental health counselling, and educational enrichment for Israeli children with special needs.

Small groups of protesters gathered near Bathurst and Sheppard. According to Toronto Police Service, six people were arrested, with charges including assault, breach of the peace, and obstruction. An enhanced police presence was clearly seen, along with barriers to separate participants from protesters.

Saltzberg, who attended the Walk with his husband, said he was especially motivated to support Israel following the events of October 7, 2023. “Especially these days with rising antisemitism, I thought it was very important to stand with the Jewish people,” he says. “October 7 will always be the day my life changed.”

George Saltzberg waving flags during the 57th Toronto Walk With Israel. (Photo credit: Emma Paidra)

A notable presence at this year’s Walk With Israel were Iranian allies of Israel. Though many participants proudly carried Israeli flags, the Pahlavi flag of Iran — which has been banned in Iran since 1980 — was also very popular.

Ehsan, who was one of many Iranian allies present, carried the Israeli flag and a picture of Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of the Pahlavi dynasty of Iran, who lives in exile in the United States. He said it was important for him to attend the Walk, and sees Israel as a unique ally to Iran.

“The only true friends that the Iranian people have are in Israel,” said Ehsan.

Ehsan, one of many Iranian allies, with an Israeli flag and a picture of Reza Pahlavi. (Photo credit: Emma Paidra)

Representing a smaller group of allies, from India, was Sunny Singh. Draped in an Indian flag and a shirt that read “Punjab” in Hebrew, Singh said there is a strong connection between the Indian and Israeli people.

“Hebrew is one of the oldest languages and Sanskrit is the oldest language in the world,” he said. “We share a lot in common.”

Sunny Singh, sporting a shirt that reads “Punjab” in Hebrew. (Photo credit: Emma Paidra)

Sara Lefton, chief development officer of UJA Toronto, said the presence of allies is indicative of a shift in how Canadians perceive antisemitism.

“The hate against the Jewish community is not a Jewish issue alone,” said Lefton. “What you’re seeing is other people standing up and saying that this kind of hate is not okay.”

Others in attendance were looking for a reason to celebrate. Annie and Mica, who did not provide last names, are McMaster University students and members of a Jewish sorority. Carrying both the Israeli flag and their sorority’s flag, both students were looking forward to being part of the event.

“There have been times in my life where I felt very alone, and I have found so much support in the Jewish community,” said Annie. “I wanted to come out and show my support.”

For Joy and Sam Lanys, a Jewish mother and daughter attending the Walk With Israel along with their dog, Bowie, the presence of allies was significant.

“It’s actually amazing,” said Joy, looking around at the many Pahlavi flags in the crowd. Wearing a grey T-shirt with the words “Proud Zionist” written in yellow, Joy said she was looking forward to being part of the event. “I’ve been walking since I was a kid. I haven’t missed a year,” she said.

Lanys also said that it was important she attended the Walk With Israel as a way of openly displaying her Zionism, and was not worried about pushback from protesters. “’Zionist’ is not a dirty word,” she said. “There’s so much police protection. This is the most secure it could be.”

Joy and Sam Sanys, with their dog, Bowie, at Toronto’s Walk With Israel. (Photo credit: Emma Paidra)

Jaquie Dason was also present with her eight-year-old daughter, Marley. Marley had repeatedly voiced concerns about walking by Bathurst Street and Shepperd Avenue, where she knew she would likely pass by protesters. “I just tell her that we’re safe and protected,” said Dason. “There are always going to be people who disagree. But we love Israel and we want to stand for it.”

Dason said taking her daughter to the Walk With Israel was important to her as a parent. “I feel a great sense of pride in bringing my children here. It’s really beautiful seeing our family, friends and even people we don’t know coming to support us.”

Like Dason, Ron Laxer values being in attendance at the Walk With Israel alongside his family. Laxer first attended the Walk in 1979 with his newborn daughter. This year, Laxer was once again in attendance—but with his now-adult daughter, as well as his 95-year-old father.

“I think [support for Israel] is a part of everything we do, and the way we’ve lived our lives. I’m very happy that [my daughter] wants to continue what we started so many years ago,” he said. “We look forward to it every year.”

Laxer said that since first being part of the Walk With Israel, he has noticed that support for the event and all that it stands for has intensified. “Over the last couple of years, people feel a need to come out and support the community more,” he said. “It seems to be more acute now.”

For Laxer, the event is an important way to stand up for the Jewish community and demonstrate solidarity with Israel.

“We want to come together and feel strong,” he says. “They’re not going to push us around. Here we are, loud and proud.”